The compact Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class pulls the old switcheroo for 2026, exchanging gas engines for electric powertrains, though plug-in hybrid variants will arrive for 2027. Given its compact size and luxury placement, the new CLA has no direct competitors, but buyers might also consider the BMW i4, Polestar 2, and Tesla Model 3.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Everything is new for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, which is now called the CLA with EQ Technology. This compact sedan represents a new generation of electric vehicles (EVs) from Mercedes, now powered by a faster-charging 800-volt electrical architecture. The CLA also sports an updated version of the familiar coupe-like design, the next generation of the MBUX infotainment system, and new and more advanced driver-assist systems.
Design
The new CLA wears an updated take on the look that this compact sedan has worn since it was launched. The coupe-inspired sloping rear roofline returns, and the new car is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor. The new nose is highlighted by headlights connected with an LED lightbar and a “grille” that’s decorated with 142 illuminated Mercedes star logos. The CLA rides on standard 17-inch wheels, and 18s and 19s are offered in a pair of AMG Line packages.
Powertrain
The gas engines are gone, replaced by two electric powertrains. The base powertrain in the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology uses a rear-mounted permanently excited synchronous electric motor that sends 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology adds another motor up front that enables all-wheel drive (AWD) and ups the output substantially to 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Both versions use a lithium-ion battery with 85 kWh of usable capacity. The battery provides 374 miles of EPA-rated range in the CLA 250+ and 312 miles of range in the CLA 350. The new 800-volt electrical architecture allows the CLA to charge at up to 320 kW on a DC fast charger, which can reenergize the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes. A 9.6-kW onboard charger enables AC home charging on a Level 2 240-volt outlet.
Interior
The CLA seats five, and Mercedes upholsters the seats with standard MB-Tex synthetic leather or optional genuine leather. The front seats have power adjustments, memory, and heating, and a panoramic roof is standard. As an EV, the new CLA has a 2.5-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk) to augment the 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space in its traditional rear trunk.
Technology
The CLA comes with infotainment technology that ranges from advanced to really advanced. The standard setup includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch center touchscreen. The latter runs the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, which incorporates AI technology from both Google and Microsoft. The step-up Superscreen adds a 14-inch touchscreen for the front passenger to extend the screens all the way across the dash. Navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. A selfie and video camera is also standard, and buyers can get a 16-speaker Burmester system with 850 watts of power.
Safety
The standard driver-assistance suite for the CLA includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with steering support, rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking, an exit warning system, and automatic high beams. Mercedes also offers MB Drive Assist and MB Drive Assist Pro. Both include lane centering and automatic lane changes, and the Pro version adds stop-sign and traffic-light recognition to the adaptive cruise control system.
Pricing and Release Date
At its launch in early 2026, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology costs $48,500 including a $1,250 destination charge. The CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology costs $51,050.
Mercedes offers two AMG Line Packages with larger wheels, sport seats, a sport steering wheel, carbon-aluminum trim, and an AMG body kit, among other features. An Exclusive trim for $2,250 includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear center armrest, ambient lighting, wireless cellphone charging, keyless access and starting, retractable door handles, and automatic parking. For $5,850, the Pinnacle trim includes the Exclusive features plus intelligent LED headlights, a power trunk closer, a hands-free power-opening trunk, a head-up display, the MBUX Superscreen, a digital key, and a surround-view camera system.
